Myths and Facts
Feeling anxious before a test always means you have an anxiety disorder.(true or false)
False. Anxiety is also a normal human emotion.
These are patterns of thinking that often twist reality and make situations seem worse than they are. Name me.
Cognitive distortion.
Define boundaries in mental health.
Limits that you set with others to protect your mental, emotional, and physical well-being are called what
This is the term for the unwritten rules and patterns in a family that guide how everyone interacts.
family dynamics
Name the body organ responsible for mental health and define mental health.
The brain. The combination of emotional, psychological, and social well-being that affects how we think, feel, and act
You don’t need a reason to feel how you feel. (true or false)
true.
What do we call the ways your brain protects you by hiding feelings you’re not ready to deal with yet?
defense mechanism
What are some components of healthy frienships?
Respect, communication, trust, fun, understanding, etc.
“Arguing in a family means the family is unhealthy.” (true or false).
False. Healthy families argue too it's how they repair that counts.
What do you call false thoughts and beliefs that are not based on reality?
Delusions.
What is one common myth about mental health that is NOT true?
“Asking for help is weak,” “People are exaggerating,” etc.
Identify the defense mechanisms-
1. Situation: You insist you’re not jealous of your friend’s new relationship, but then you accuse them of being jealous of you.
2. Situation: You’re upset with a friend, but instead of talking to them, you start snapping at your sibling for no reason.
1. Projection (putting your feelings onto someone else)
2. Displacement (taking feelings out on a safer target)
Setting boundaries is rude and uptight. (True or False)Why did you choose either True or false?
False. Boundaries protect oneself from getting emotionally hurt, stay away from risky behaviour, protect mental peace and calm.
define the concept of intergenerational trauma, and provide an example of how it affects the family through generations.
Intergenerational trauma is the transmission of emotional and psychological wounds across generations, often resulting from events like war, abuse, or systemic oppression.
What are some golden rules of mental health?
Say what you see, Show you care, Hear them out, Know your role, and then Connect to help.
Scenario: A friend says, “You only need therapy if you’re seriously mentally ill.”
Choose either Myth or Fact and give a reason.
Myth - therapy helps anyone improve coping, self-awareness, and emotional health.
Scenario: You had a job interview and didn’t get the role. You think, “I’m a complete failure; I’ll never succeed."
Which cognitive distortion is this? How could you reframe the thought more realistically?
Overgeneralization
reframed statement- “I didn’t get this job, but I can learn from the experience and try again
What do you consider a red flag in any relationship?
Controlling behavior, disrespect, constant guilt-tripping, and not maintaining personal boundaries.
What are attachment styles, and how do attachment styles within the family influence our outside connections?
Attachment styles reflect how people think about and behave in relationships. Those with a secure attachment style generally trust their relationships, while those with an insecure style often worry about abandonment or distrust their bonds with others.
what are factors that limit consent?
1. alcohol and drugs
2. age
3. physical and mental capacities (example- coma, sleeping, paralysis, sedation, mental illness)
4. Coercion and duress
5. power and authority/ relationship dynamics
Share a myth and a fact that affected your perception of mental health and kept you from seeking help.
open discussion
Who am I? Cognitive Distortion or Defense Mechanism.
1. I avoid thinking about my embarrassing mistake from last week completely.
2. I didn’t get invited to the party; clearly, no one likes me.
1. Defense mechanism (repression)
2. Cognitive distortion (Overgeneralization)
Identify the type of Boundary-
1. I don’t feel obligated to solve everyone’s problems for them.
2.I ask before hugging or touching someone, and I expect the same in return
3. I respect others’ opinions, and I expect them to respect mine, even if we disagree.
1. Emotional Boundary
2. Physical Boundary
3. Intelectual Boundary
Alex grew up in a household where their parents were emotionally distant and inconsistent, sometimes supportive, sometimes critical. As an adult, Alex finds it difficult to trust close friends and fears rejection in relationships. According to psychological theory, what type of attachment style is Alex likely demonstrating, and how can awareness of this style help support his mental health?”
Insecure attachment style (likely anxious or avoidant)
Awareness allows Alex to-
Recognize patterns in relationships
Develop strategies to build trust and emotional regulation
Seek supportive connections or therapy to improve relational and emotional well-being
What are the 4 C's of consent?
1. Clear
2. Continuous
3. Coercion-free
4. Conscious